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FOXBORO - Training camp is still months away, but more than 1,000 New England Patriots fans partied at Gillette Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

And they partied in style.

Inside the Fidelity Investments clubhouse, party-goers were treated to a buffet meal, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, autographs from current players and Patriots alumni as well as face time with Patriots management, including owner Robert Kraft.

The occasion: The first day of the NFL draft, when the Patriots had three picks to make - two in the first round and one in the third.

The annual event sold out in three weeks at a cost of $60 for season ticket holders and $65 for general public, accommodating 1,100 people in all. And while the draft was the main attraction on Saturday, suspense for each team's selection bordered on the drama afforded to Reality TV elimination moments, so other diversions were needed.

To keep fans occupied there was a cash bar, prize raffles, tours on the field and autograph sessions with alumni including John Hannah, Steve Nelson and Andre Tippett and current players Rosevelt Colvin and Ty Warren.

Many fans relaxed in the red-level seats outside or snapped photos of the field turf while they waited.

The afternoon wasn't without humor, either. When Kraft took the podium to address the audience and field questions before the Patriots' first pick, one fan asked him if he could buy the Boston Bruins.

Kraft's response? Put him in touch with an agent.

As for the pick itself, the team chose safety Brandon Meriweather out of the University of Miami.

Fans cheered just to see the Patriots logo on the screen, but after the pick, one fan remarked he'd "never of the guy."

Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees co-signed him, though, praising Meriweather's flexibility as a safety with cornerback traits and saying he was one of the few players worked out by coach Bill Belichick.

"This guy got worked out by the head coach, so you know he's damn good," Pees said.

Many fans agreed. "He's a great cover guy," said Ken Keating, 50, of Foxboro, in his first year at the draft day party. "I think he's one of the best cover people in college football. Plus that's what the Patriots are looking for, someone they can move to different positions on the field. They're looking for people who are versatile."

Steve Robertson, 51, of Walpole also backed the Patriots' decision, calling supposed character issues attributed to Meriweather "overblown."

"I like that Meriweather pick," Robertson said. "He's got some attitude, just like (Rodney) Harrison."

Some party-goers left after Meriweather was chosen, so they didn't see the Patriots trade their second pick to the San Francisco 49ers for a first-round pick next year and a fourth-round pick this year.

A good choice in the fans' eyes?

"I think so," said Bill McKinney, 40, of Milford, N.H., who toured the field earlier in the day. "It gives them a guaranteed first round for next year. It's a good move."

Marcia Moody, 53, of Loudon, N.H. didn't comment on the picks specifically, but said her first draft party was an eye-opening experience.

"It's big, it's huge," Moody said. "I'm getting a football education today."